001That's the first time it got quiet like that. It's never happened before. We always have to say we're starting the meeting. We're wasting time. We can't start until 6 legally. 6 o'clock. >> Good evening board members, Dr. Cruz, and district staff. The time is 6:00 p.m. on this the 17th day of September, 2025. And I call this regular meeting of the United Independent School District Board of Trustees to order. May the trustees to my left please begin with announcing your name for the record. >> Rudy Gonzalez, present. Gilad, present. >> Michelle Molina, present. Danielle Martinez present. >> Alisa Flores Oliveros present for the record. Let the record show that a quorum of board members is present, that this meeting has been dually called, and that notice of the Texas meeting that that notice of this
002meeting has been posted in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. Agenda item two. If we can all please stand for the pledge of allegiance and honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Honor the Texas flag to the Texas one state and indivisible. >> Okay. Agenda item three, we have recognitions. >> All right, Miss Emma, >> we need some time to to move. >> Do we Okay, second. >> We'll take a few minutes to move the tables. Okay, there it is. [Music] Good evening. For the record, my name is Emma and I serve the as the associate superintendent for curriculum instruction for United ISD. Good evening
003board members, fellow colleagues, and prestigious families. Tonight, we are delighted to welcome Haime and Cindy Barrera, the owners of America's Bat Company. The Barettas have been incredible supporters to our district, to our district's baseball teams, and Mrs. Bara is one of our very own dedicated first grade teachers at Borchers Elementary. Their commitment to our students extends from foundational academic skills to the athletic field, and we are grateful for their support. This evening, they are representing our proud superintendent, Dr. Herardo Cruz, with a custom wooden bat. This gift is a symbol of his leadership in guiding our district to earn it sixth consecutive A and post-secary readiness distinction. This is a remarkable achievement. Out of 1,28 school districts in Texas, educating over 20,000 students, United ISD is the only one to hold this prestigious honor. The
004This achievement truly shows that in every way we at United ISD are in a league of our own. Thank you. [Applause] Good evening uh board members, Dr. Cruz, members of the audience. Rebecca Morales, associate superintendent for district administration and student services. For the record, this evening we are honored to have Mr. Willie Perez and Angelica Perez, uh, owners of TMF Travel Merchandise Festival with us this evening. We want to take a moment to publicly recognize and express our sincere gratitude for their remarkable generosity. Mr. and Mrs. Pettis, your donation of district shirts for our convocation for all our school employees is an act of tremendous kindness that has had a profound impact. It is a powerful statement of support that goes beyond a simple of a simple gift uh and creates a visible and tangible
005symbol of unity across our schools and departments. Your commitment to our community is not only evident in your business but also your willingness to invest in the people who make our schools great. On behalf of the entire board, our superintendent, and every single one of our dedicated employees, we thank you for fostering a strong sense of pride and a unified spirit throughout our district. Thank you so much. [Applause] We gather. gather today to celebrate an extraordinary group of parents whose dedication, generosity, and community spirit greatly enhance our schools. At United ISD, we recognize the vital role that our parents play in our district success. Their commitment and collaboration create a positive environment for our students. And to honor their contributions, we continue with the most valuable parent MVP program highlighting exceptional parent volunteers. And today
006we are excited to recognize our MVP honores for September. From Quer Elementary, Ael Santan from Clark Elementary, Maria del Carmen Savala from United South High School, Monica Rea. [Applause] And we have for Raul Pales Middle School, Norma Margarita Bryeno. May she rest in peace. We would like to extend our most heartfelt condolences to Miss Norma Margarita Bisceno's family. Miss Bceno passed away this summer. However, the campus wanted to recognize her since she assisted the campus daily. Here to receive this award in her honor are her children, Julio Bresceno, Julisa Bresceno, Joanna Bresceno, and her mother. Congratulations once again to all our honores and thank you for your unwavering support of our schools and our UID community. [Applause] Good evening board members, Dr. Kus, and members of the audience. For the record, my name is Jerry
007Rodriguez, director of fine arts. The TMEA Honor Band Competition was developed by Texas music educators to recognize exemplary music programs through a prestigious statewide concert band competition where high school and middle school bands perform recorded music to be ranked by a panel of judges. Bands are divided by school enrollment or class size and the top ranked bands in each classification are recognized as TMA honor band. I am proud to announce that the Yelas Era Middle School honor wins placed first at the area honor band hearings and qualified for the state honor band hearings this past summer ranking them 10th place in zone one and 10 and in the top 20 middle school bands in the state of Texas. Directors for the Elas Era Middle School honors wins are head director Horge Garcia and assistant director
008Megan Rodriguez. The principal of the Elas Era era middle school is Carlos Martinez. Congratulations, Elas Era Middle School honors wins on this incredible, incredible achievement. Congratulations to you all. >> Good job, Jake. Thankful. Good evening parents, teachers, students, administrators, and community members. I am Mario Rosales, director of advanced academics. For the record, tonight we are proud to recognize Aron Gara from Sanro Elementary. We are thrilled to welcome Aron Gara into the 2025 National Masters program. The selection of these 57 students from across our state showcases the remarkable talent present in classrooms across across Texas, especially Sanicedro Elementary. This program was launched in 2023. The National Math Stars program identifies mathematically extraordinary second and third graders and provides long-term individualized support to help them make the most of their talents. Applicants complete a multi-stage evaluation process
009that assess each student's mathematical aptitude, eagerness for deeper STEM exploration, and the program's potential impact on their tra trajectory. Aron's journey will provide more than $100,000 in educational support from the National Math Stars program. The organization is committed to providing AON with the mentorship, enrichment, and other resources he needs to reach his full potential. On behalf of our superintendent, Dr. Dr. Herardo Cruz and the board of trustees. We would like to congratulate Aron Gara on this celebratory milestone. Congratulations, Aron. We look forward to seeing what this next generation of math and science leaders accomplishes. Thank you. >> Good evening, board members, Dr. Cruz and members of the audience. For the record, I'm Melissa Cruz, executive director for high school instruction. Tonight, we are proud to recognize Juan Roberto Ramirez Middle School for garnering the TEA
010Purple Star Campus Award. This esteemed distinction is awarded to campuses that demonstrate a strong commitment to serving military families and their children. To achieve this award, Ramirez Middle School met a rigorous set of criteria, including designating a campus military liaison to support military students and their families. Implementing a campus transition program to assist military students with enrollment and withdrawal. Providing professional development for staff on issues relevant to military students. offering a dedicated page on their school website with resources for military families, facilitating a student-led initiative to support military children. This award reflects Ramirez Middle School's unwavering commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for military connected students. This is a direct result of the collective effort of every student, teacher, and administrator at Ramirez Middle School, which is under the leadership of principal Johnny
011Era. On behalf of the school board and the community, we extend our sincerest congratulations to Juan Roberto Ramirez Middle School. We are incredibly proud of the work being done at Ramirez Middle School. And we'd like to thank Mr. Juan Roberto Ramirez for being here with us today. Hey, what That's about him. Excuse me, sir. Yeah. He's already turning Sorry. Thank you so much. Yes, sir. >> One, two, three. One more here, sir. >> Do we have any other recognitions? >> Two public comments. Do you want to move over? >> Oh, yes. I can move over here. Don't worry. >> I'm moving. >> Okay, everybody's here. >> Yes, ma'am. All right, moving on to agenda item four, public comments. >> Yes, uh, Madam Chair, we do have two public comments. Uh, the first public comment is
012by David Vasquez, and he is speaking on proposed district-wide esports gaming that includes the purchase of equipment, use of facilities, and addition of personnel. And uh, he will have three minutes. >> Esports. >> Good evening, members of the board, administrators, and community. My name is David Arvasquez II. I'm a current senior here at United High School and I'm the the president of the gaming club there. I stand before you not just as a student, but as someone who represents a generation of learners who think differently, compete differently, and dream differently. We know our district is proud of his strong athletics tradition. But the truth is, not every student is a physical athlete. Some of us are wired for mental endurance, for strategy, for quick decision-m and under pressure, for building teamwork in new arenas. Esports
013gives these students a place to shine. It develops critical thinking, leadership, and collaboration, skills that are just as important as those learned on the field or on the court. Across Texas, esports programs are already taking off from districts in North Texas to right here in South Texas. With Mallan ISD leading the way, students are competing, earning scholarships, and bringing pride to their communities. By moving forward, UISD has the opportunity not to just catch up, but to take a leadership role in South Texas, establishing ourselves as innovators in education and student development. To make this vision real, I'm asking the board to fund an official esports program across UISD. This includes investing in equipment, providing access to facilities, assigning dedicated personnel to coach and guide these teams, and adding video games as an elective course that
014offers academic credit for students who want to str uh study the skills behind esports, digital literacy, teamwork, and a strategy in in an academic setting. This would not only validate students efforts, but provides a structured path for advancements in higher education and in future careers. I also want to address a concern that always comes up when talking about esports, the games themselves. The titles chosen for competition are rated E for everyone or T14 by the entertainment software rating board. This is the industry standard for safe age appropriate content. If the program extends to middle or elementary schools, the games can be tailored appropriately, ensuring that students are protected from mature content. The benefits go though far beyond student engagement. Once established, this program positions Larredo as a hub for statewide esports tournaments. Imagine this. Hundreds
015of competitors and their families traveling here to Larredo, booking hotels, eating at our restaurants, and supporting our businesses. What starts as a school program becomes an economic development tool for the entire city. I understand that there are still many details to iron out, but the first step is your support. I promise you this. I am ready to spearhead this effort. And as a senior, this would be my legacy project. I may not be here to play the next year, but I will take pride knowing that I planted the seed. And with your help, this seed will grow into a garden that bears fruit for future generation of UISD students. So tonight, I ask you to say yes to innovation, to opportunity, to equity for all types of competitors and to a new revenue cycle that
016benefits not only our schools, but our city. Let's build the future of competition here in Larredo together. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Amazing. >> Thank you. The uh next speaker is uh David Vasquez, I guess the senior. >> I'm sorry. I think he was waiting for us to respond, but we're not allowed to respond during public comment. >> We appreciate your comments today. Thank you. >> And uh Mr. Vasquez, Senior is speaking on the same topic. >> Yeah, my name is David Vasquez. I really am just a proud father of the man you just heard speak right now. Um, I'm really here in support of my son along with the rest of the students who have aspirations of really taking esports on as not just um video game thing, right? This is something that
017has grown into a real economic driver for communities not just across Texas but across the entire world. When we start talking about esports, we start talking about tournaments. We start talking about um businesses generating revenue and we also start talking about career paths for our students. While there are droplets of this happening across our districts with the proper academic curriculum, this can really develop these young students not only into competitors but also into entrepreneurs that will grow into something they can look back at with the district supporting them all the way. This is just another one of those tools that we could put into our toolbox for future generations. I tell my son, you're going to be gone in nine months, but if you can plant a seed and water that seed, you can bear
018fruit for the next generation of students that are not going to stop playing games. They're not going to stop finding ways to expand their mind. And this is this is a huge opportunity for us to seize on that moment. And so I humbly ask that the board um put forward an agenda item that um your support with you all working together along with your administration come together to develop a plan that supports esports not just at United High School that has already sort of taken the lead on its own. Um one thing he didn't mention is that we've already collaborated cross district with LISD with Dr. Rosio Lopez over at um Savasapata's Early College High School. Um Mr. Superintendent, you were uh one of the people responsible for putting that program on. And so um
019when you were with that district and so we reached across the aisle and we were able to put on a tournament with little to no money and brought out a a ton of students to compete at Sigaroa High School. and that that was his effort, right? And so really it's it's just again a plea for your support to really take on esports, not just our physical sports um with with our physical our uh you know our sports doing really really well uh right now to take it a step further for those mental athletes that want to compete across the board. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you so much. Appreciate your comments. And there are no further public comments. >> Okay. Thank you so much, >> sir. >> Moving on to agenda item five,formational
020items, superintendent report. Dr. >> Yes. Uh, good evening, members of the board, members of the audience. As we approach the end of the first six weeks of the new school year, I'm pleased to report that our district continues to thrive and make significant progress. Our student numbers are on the rise with the current enrollment of 39,886 students. Furthermore, we've been working to fill our employment vacancies on our human resources department has made great strides ensuring our classrooms and support staff are fully operational to meet the needs of our growing student body. This month, I've held several meetings with district and campus leaders to align our goals for the year. We focus on key areas which include increasing enrollment, maintaining fiscal responsibility, enhancing customer service. Our shared vision is to ensure every student and family has
021a positive experience with our district. We all must recognize our collective responsibility in increasing student attendance and improving student outcomes. Every leader and department from transportation to curriculum and instruction plays a vital role in our student success. Our district remains deeply committed to serving our community beyond the classroom. This month we've engaged in several meaningful initiatives that reflect our dedication to student and family well-being. First is 988 student uh suicide prevention. We partner with several mental health organizations to raise awareness about the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline distributing information and resources to students, parents, and staff. Smiles from heaven, childhood cancer. Our students and staff participated in district-wide initiative to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer research honoring the brave children and families affected by this disease. Pennies for tennies. This program successfully raised
022funds for uh to provide access to medical eye exams and new clothing and new clothing for students in need, ensuring that they have the essential resources to succeed. The safety and security of our students and staff are highest priority. We have unfortunately received several verbal threats made by students targeting our schools. I want to assure the board and the community that we are pro that we are responding swiftly and decisively to each incident. Our response protocol involves immediate investigations by campus administration, the UISD police department. The police department and campus administrators conduct home threat assessments in collaboration with the parents to understand the nature of each threat and to provide the appropriate support and intervention. This collaborative approach with families is critical to maintain a safe learning environment. We will continue to be vigilant and
023proactive in addressing all potential threats to our school community. I'm confident that with the contin support of the board, our dedicated staff, and our engaged community, we'll have a successful, impactful school year. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. Yes, we can clap. >> Lots of good stuff in the report. Good >> one. Good stuff. >> Okay. Moving on to agenda item six, consent agenda items A through G. Is there a motion? >> Motion to approve. Second. >> Second. Okay. So, we have a motion and a second. Discussion. >> Yes. I'd like to discuss monthly dispersements. >> All righty. >> Yes. So, I just uh in the last board meeting um you know I I brought into question the dispersement in regards to the convocation which was the audio visuals 21,000 the 19,000 for the
024sames auto arena. Uh but it's been a week and I know it's not on finance. Uh we haven't received the spreadsheet so that's a little concerning um to me. staff has completed that that that request and you'll be receiving that on the Friday packet. >> Okay, perfect. So, we're going to receive it. Okay. Yeah. And I just want to make sure um I don't know if I can make a motion um >> there's no motion to make >> Well, it would be a sub motion. >> Okay. So, I would like to make a submotion um to give the superintendent authority uh you know for types of these for these types of events like the convocation. I know we are not going to have one next year, but maybe for the League of Legends or any
025ceremonies uh to make sure that you have the authority to um see how much is going to be spent before uh we actually make the dispersements. it seems like we're just um spending, you know, erratic spending with these events and since we are in a financial constraint. Um I'd like to to see if you >> Well, as superintendent, I do I do I am part of the planning process and I I am aware of the expenditure. So, yes, you know, uh by default, I do approve and I rely on my finance department, you know, to make sure that we get the appropriate vendors and our monies are spent, you know, appropriately. >> Okay, perfect. Yeah, I just want to make that clear just because not having those items um you know ahead of time does
026give an impression of of disorganization. So um if we can just have that moving forward. >> So this is in place already. We don't need a motion for >> No, it's already in place as per Dr. Gr. Yes, that's my understanding. So I would not recommend I also would not recommend a motion on that specific uh just because it's not up for discussion. the item for the monthly dispersements in my opinion is limited to approval of the dispersements that you all receive. Okay. >> But uh since Dr. Cruz has already answered and uh I believe the trustee has acknowledged that it is already being done. I don't feel >> she can either retract her motion >> just resend. >> Okay. So we have a motion and a second. All those in favor please signify by
027saying I. >> And the motion is this for the first motion to approve. >> The first motion was to approve agenda items 6 A through G. We had discussion. We're done with discussion. So now I'll call for the question. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. Any opposed? None heard. Motion passes. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Moving on to agenda item seven, items for individual consideration. Agenda item 7A, resolution of the 2025 appraisal rules as a 2025 United ISD tax role. Miss Madreal. >> Yes. Good evening board members, Dr. Cruz, members of the audience, uh, here to present our 2025 tax levy. Okay. So, we have a resolution to adopt the $29,397,649 one penny, one cent. >> All righty. Do we have to? >> We have a
028motion. I have a second. >> Any discussion? >> Motion and second. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. >> Any opposed? None heard. Motion passes. Thank you, Mr. Appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you. >> Okay. Agenda item 7B, discussion and possible action to approve amended board minutes for the April 16th, 2025 United ISD regular board meeting. >> Motion to approve. Second. >> Motion and second. Any discussion? Um yes. Do we know why they're being amended? >> Yes. I can explain. Uh there was the in the original minutes there was this um it was mentioned that the item uh a certain item was not approved. However, on review of the video, it was approved. So, the the minutes are being revised to reflect that that item was approved as as it was the actual
029board action. >> Okay. And what item was that? >> That was for the uh RF approval of an RFP, I believe, for bank depository services. >> Um, so that it's clear in the minutes that that item was approved. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> Okay. So, we have a motion second. No, no further discussion. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Any opposed? None heard. Motion passes. Agenda item C, approval of board minutes for the month of June 2025. Do we have a motion? >> Motion. >> So move. >> Motion in a second. Any discussion? >> Motion and a second. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. >> Any opposed? None heard. Motion passes. Agenda item D, request from board members in regards to use of board of trustee discretionary funds
030for various campuses. Mr. Mike Garca. >> Yes. Uh, madam, Madame Chairman, members of the board, Dr. Cruz, members of the audience, there are no additional requests than than what's submitted in your packet. >> Thank you, Mr. Motion. >> Approve. Motion and a second. Any discussion? >> Motion and second. No, no f no discussion. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Any opposed? None heard. Motion passes. Thank you, Mr. Godza. >> Okay. Agenda item eight, close session. The time is currently Did I miss something? No. Okay. Agenda item. In accordance with the Texas Government Code section 551.071, 551.072, 551.074, and 551.076. The board will discuss items 8A through 8D. No action will be taken in close session. We should be back in about five minutes. I wish no more than 30 minutes probably.
031No, I don't think so. I think we're good. Agenda item nine. The time is now 7:10 p.m. >> Mike. Mike. >> Wait. Sorry. Agenda item nine. Open session. The board has reconvened from close session and we are now in open session. The time is 7:10 p.m. For the record, no action was taken in close session. Agenda item 9A, possible action regarding board policy GF local level level three appeal decision issued on January 30th, 2025. >> Yes, madam chair. The recommendation on that item is to proceed as discussed in close session. >> Second. >> You have a motion to move. >> Motion and a second. Any discussion? All those in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. >> Any opposed? None heard. Motion passes. Agenda item 9B, possible action with with respect to the lawsuit
032filed by Potential Holdings LLC against United Independent School District UISD at all regarding the UISD student activity complex educational support center plat filed of record in volume 21 pages 43 to 44 of the webcount plat records and the UISD Lasus school plat filed in volume 18 page 55 of the plat record of webcount Texas and Santa Cl and Santa Monica Drive within the United SAC plat and matters incident there too, including legal options available to UISD. The suit was filed in the District Court of the of the 111th Judicial Court of Web County, Texas under cause number 2023 CVG 000151D2. >> Motion to approve. Second. >> The recommendation on that item is to uh authorize council to proceed as discussed in close session. So move. >> We have a motion. >> Second. >> We have
033a motion and a second. Any discussion? >> We have a motion second and no discuss. No further discussion. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. I. >> Any opposed? And heard. Motion passes. Agenda item 9 C. Discussion of possible action by resolution of the United Independent School District Board of Trustees to nominate candidates for the Web County Appraisal District's Board of Directors as per section 6.03 and 6.0301 0301 of the Texas tax code. >> I nominate Miss Alisa. >> Second. >> Thank you. We have a motion to second. Any discussion other than thank you for that? Um I just like to say that you know my nomination goes to Miss Alis Alos as well, right? And uh because you are the most experienced and uh truly believe that you will represent
034our district. >> Great advocate too. >> Yes. >> Oh, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I got chills. >> Okay, so we have a motion to second. Thank you for that. No further discussion. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. I. >> Any opposed? Any opposed? Any opposed? That motion passes. Congratulations. Motion passes. Okay, moving on to agenda item 9D, possible action regarding appointment of principles at Huades Lincoln Elementary School. Uh >> for the position of principal at Huades Lincoln Elementary School, I recommend Mr. Hector Garcia. >> Motion to approve. So move. >> Second. We have a motion to second. Any discussion? We have a motion, a second. All those in favor, please sign up by saying I. I. >> Any opposed? None heard. Motion passes. Agenda item 10.
035Adjournment. >> Second. >> Motion. >> We need a first. Okay. First and second. >> Motion passes. >> Thank you. Thank you. Good evening.